High expressions of CD105 and VEGF in early oral cancer predict potential cervical metastasis

Background and Objectives: Although elective neck dissection has become a popular treatment modality for early oral cancer among most head and neck surgeons, a large portion of patients revealed pathological NO postoperatively. Our study is aimed to evaluate the expressions of the angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and CD105 (endoglin) on the prediction of neck metastasis for clinical NO patients in early oral cancer. Patients and Methods: Between July 1996 and July 2005, the preoperative biopsy specimens among 176 patients who underwent surgical treatment for early oral cancer were retrieved for the immunohistochemical study for VEGF and CD105. Results: High expressions of CD105 and VEGF significantly correlated with positive nodal metastasis, respectively (P < 0.001). The expression of CD105 also significantly correlated with that of VEGF (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity for prediction of cervical metastasis by high expressions of CD105 versus VEGF were 81.8% and 97.7% versus 93.2% and 72%, respectively. Low expression of CD105 and VEGF also significantly correlated with higher survival rate, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Besides the image studies, the expressions of both CD105 and VEGF could be useful to guide the elective treatment for clinical NO neck in early oral cancer.